Project under way for low-income elderly

Commercial real estate

November 07, 1990

Construction has started on a $5.4 million apartment building for low-income elderly in Catonsville.

The Park Caton project at 303 Maiden Choice Lane is being developed by Shelter Development Corp. of Baltimore, an affiliate of Shelter/Can-American, which has built more than 20,000 residential units in North America.

The 101-unit building was designed by Winsor-Faricy architects of Minnesota. The three-story, U-shaped building will surround a landscaped lighted courtyard. The project will be 80,000 square feet and include a community room, laundry room, lounge and controlled access entry system.

To comply with federal guidelines, the one-bedroom apartments will be leased to senior citizens with annual incomes of less than $17,010 for one person or $19,440 for two people. A one-bedroom unit rents from between $335 and $380 a month. Residents must be 62 years or older.

The project is being constructed with the help of a Community Development Block Grant Loan and a loan from the state's Community Development Administration. The project also will receive a tax deferral for 15 years.

The project is expected to be completed in July 1991. A leasing office will open on May 1.

Shelter Development has built several local projects, including the Park Terrace development in Dundalk last year. That development, which is similar to the Park Caton, was completely leased after six months.

"The combination of low rents and numerous amenities have already combined to make the Park Terrace apartment building one of Shelter Development Corp.'s most successful projects to date," said Patrick Duffy, the developer's marketing director.

* The Marsh & McLennan Building at Pratt and Howard streets has received the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects' grand award.

RTKL Associates Inc. designed the project, which the panel of judges praised for its combination of old and new features. The old five-story building, containing one of the city's few remaining cast-iron facades, was gutted and the facade restored. A modern addition was wrapped around the sides and back of the original building.

"The sophistication of being able to build an uncompromisingly modern addition to a 19th century cast iron building and having the scale and texture of both facades remain in perfect harmony is the great quality of this building," the panel said.

* The United States Postal Service has awarded a $2 million contract to Madigan Construction Co. Inc. of Baltimore to build a post office in Millersville.

The 18,000-square-foot post office was designed by Basco Associates of Cross Keys. It is being constructed at 221 Najoles Road and is expected to be completed in July.